Almost exactly a year after Bowling Green State University permanently expelled the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for hazing, the university announced its permanent expulsion of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority for the same reason.
Pi Kappa Alpha was expelled on April 9, 2021, after the death of Stone Foltz, a potential member. The fraternity was found guilty of 83 policy violations of the Code of Student Conduct, most involving hazing.
Sigma Gamma Rho, a historically Black sorority, was found responsible for six policy violations that jeopardized the health and safety of students, according to a university statement.
“BGSU has continued to work to serve and better support our students of color, and we recognize the seriousness and impact of expelling a historically Black sorority,” said Alex Solis, university spokesman. “However, after community reports in late 2021, a thorough and fair investigation, and careful consideration of the evidence presented during the conduct hearing, BGSU cannot and will not support any group that has caused a substantial risk of serious physical harm to members of the campus community from hazing.”
Mr. Solis also stated that the university discovered a “history of deception” within Sigma Gamma Rho, as members took steps to actively hide hazing and threats.
“Even with clearly communicated anti-hazing policies and education in place, the chapter knowingly and intentionally engaged in activities that were unsafe, high-risk and strictly prohibited by the University and the law,” Mr. Solis said. “Hazing has no place at BGSU. We are grateful for the individuals who leveraged reporting systems already in place to ensure a tragedy like the death of student Stone Foltz never happens again.”
Sigma Gamma Rho was originally reported late last year for hazing potential members in the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters. The sorority then received an interim suspension of recognition while the university investigated the issue.
After months of investigating, the Bowling Green State University Office of the Dean of Students found that sorority members performed various hazing acts that jeopardized health and safety. A university report stated that members provided locations for high-risk drinking, required potential members to buy alcohol and marijuana and told them to steal if they couldn’t afford it, physically struck pledges in the face, required them to harm themselves until bruised, took pledges’ cell phones to delete any hazing evidence, and told potential members they would be “jumped” if they reported the behavior.
Mr. Solis said the university has referred the matter to the Bowling Green Police Department for further investigation.
First Published March 31, 2022, 8:52 p.m.
